Retinal Measurements by spectral domain optical coherence tomography: Normative data and associations in adolescents

Abstract

Aim: To determine the distributions and develop a normative database for spectral domain Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) measured macular and optic disc parameters in adolescents. To investigate the association of macular and optic disc parameters with demographic, ocular and perinatal variables. Methods: Study participants were tested as part of the Sydney Childhood Eye Study between 2003 and 2011. During this study a comprehensive ocular examination including OCT scanning was performed and a detailed questionnaire was completed by participants and their parents. Results: Normative values of spectral domain OCT retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), optic disc and macular measurements in young adults and children were determined. Significant associations of these parameters with ethnicity and ocular biometry were found. Also significant associations of birth parameters with OCT measured parameters were found. Inner and outer macular thickness along with total macular volume was found to be significantly thinner in offspring of diabetic pregnancies. Conclusion: This thesis documents normative values and associations for the RNFL, optic disc and macula measured using spectral domain OCT in adolescents. The values and associations reported in this study can inform clinicians on the normal variation in, and factors influencing, OCT measured retinal parameters.